Lionel Messi Expected To Visit Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi On India Tour: Report
The mere indication of Lionel Messi's visit to India has thrilled football enthusiasts in the nation. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is expected to visit multiple cities, including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
A long list of dignitaries, including the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, are anticipated to meet the World Cup winner during his time in the peninsular nation, if all goes as planned.
'It's been finalised, and we are waiting for an official announcement from Messi, maybe on his social media handle anytime soon," a source said.
'As of now, we have agreed on the proposed itinerary and are just awaiting an official announcement from his social media, which could be anytime soon," the source continued.
Messi is expected to land in Kolkata on the night of December 12 around 10 pm and will stay in the City of Joy for a couple of days.
The Argentina skipper's Kolkata schedule on December 13 will start at 9 am with a meet-and-greet event, followed by the unveiling of a 70-foot statue of him at the Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road. Organisers claim this will be the first-ever and tallest statue of the World Cup winner anywhere in the world.
He will then head to Eden Gardens, where the GOAT Concert and Cup will be held from noon to 1.30 pm. A sellout crowd is expected as it will be a fully ticketed event.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to honour Messi during the Eden Gardens programme, while former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly is also expected to attend the event.
'I don't want to mislead people. So basically, it will be a celebration of Messi, a master class with Messi."
'He will play the GOAT Cup in a seven-side soft-ball, soft-touch game with Sourav Ganguly, Leander Paes, John Abraham, Bhaichung Bhutia, among others. It will be a celebration play in respect of Messi," the source added.
'This will be at Eden Gardens. It will be a ticketed event. Denominations are yet to be decided. It would be a little expensive — should not be less than Rs 3,500."
'The entire stadium will be open, so we can expect a full capacity of 68,000. For 1 hour 20 minutes Messi will be there with musical tribute, masterclass with kids," the source added.
On the evening of December 13, Messi is expected to travel to Ahmedabad to attend a private event hosted by the Adani Foundation at their Shantigram headquarters.
The magician from Rosario will travel to Mumbai for events on December 14, including a meet-and-greet at CCI at 3.45 pm, followed by the GOAT Concert and Cup at the Wankhede Stadium. Messi is also set to interact with the Indian football team in Mumbai.
'We've booked the Wankhede Stadium for the GOAT Cup at 5.45 pm on December 14," the source said.
Media reports suggesting Messi could participate in a seven-a-side cricket match with MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli circulated a day earlier, but there is still no clarity over the same.
'He is not going to play any cricket match in Mumbai. It will be only soft ball and soft touch with him. It will be a celebration of his journey with the presence of Indian celebrities."
'In Mumbai, we have planned an interaction with the Indian football team. Obviously, Sunil Chhetri and the Indian team moment that we have planned in Mumbai, as per their respective availabilities," the source said.
Messi is slated to travel to New Delhi on December 15, where he is scheduled to meet the national Premier, followed by a GOAT Concert and Cup at Feroz Shah Kotla.
Messi is also set to engage with budding players and kids in every city he visits.
'Messi will impart a masterclass with kids at every centre. The main idea is to celebrate Messi's success, giving a little bit, for instance, 30 to 40 minutes to motivate the young generation of players. So, masterclass and interaction with Messi."
However, the source dispelled talks of a Kerala leg during Messi's visit and added that the former Barcelona superstar is also expected to travel with a large entourage including footballers, though details remain under wraps.
'However, there will be no event in Kerala as earlier reported," the source said.
Messi made his first appearance in India on August 31, 2011, landing in Kolkata as fans gathered at the airport to welcome him. He was here with his team to play an exhibition match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium, a match they won 1-0.
Messi's arrival sparked 'Messi fever" in Kolkata, with thousands of fans lining the streets, donning Messi jerseys, and packing the 75,000-capacity stadium.
Tentative Itinerary:
December 12: Arrival in Kolkata (10pm).
December 13 (Kolkata): 9am — Meet and greet event; Statue unveiling (70-feet) at Lake Town Sribhumi, VIP Road; 12 noon to 1.30pm — GOAT Concert at Eden Gardens followed by GOAT Cup; December 13 (Evening): Adani Foundation private event at Shantigram, Ahmedabad.
December 14 (Mumbai): Meet and greet at CCI (3.45pm); GOAT Concert at Wankhede Stadium (5.30pm).
December 15 (New Delhi): Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; GOAT Concert at Feroz Shah Kotla (2.15pm).
(With Inputs From PTI)
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August 02, 2025, 16:21 IST
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